Customer Reviews

Living Poor with Style

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is quite dated (Published in 1972 by Bantam). It is, however, a fantastic book. Most of the dated elements refer to costs, something that was twenty cents then is probably a dollar fifty now. The book is filled with good ideas: buying used cars instead of new ones, taking buses, buying used clothes or other second hand items. He also talks about alot of things that would have normally come to us by tradition, but for whatever reason haven't such as: taking care of different fabrics and how they feel against the body, what to do if you have a run in with the law, how to take care of tools, how to have fun with no money, and some guidelines for raising kids and having no money.
I don't want the section on run-ins with the law to scare people. Many people think that if you are behaving yourself that that is not something you have to worry about, which is true. But there are times when either you are in the wrong place at the wrong time or simply ignorant of a legal issue when you can find yourself at the mercy of legal beureaucracy. While you can be certain of getting out of trouble (the innocent always go free...right?) it helps to know how the system works and where things can be headed and who can help.
I think this is a really fabulous book and genuinely see it as being a timely response to the direction American culture is heading. I hope it will encourage people to seek independence and avoid the entanglements and pitfalls of a radically conservative and commercialized society.

I read this book when it first came out in the 70's. Is it dated today? I don't really know, not having read it again since then. But I do know that the book changed my entire outlook on consumerism and how I make buying decisions. It's stood the test of time for me in lifestyle and keeping out of debt. I'm glad the author wrote it, and I'm glad I read it. Every young person just getting started in life would benefit from reading this book.

Was curious to see if this book was still available. Am glad there are some copies out there. I think this classic book can not be improved on.